Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Orders Colleges to End H-1B Visa Program

Strategic Insights -

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has instructed the state's colleges and universities to stop hiring foreign specialty workers on H-1B visas. The move comes as the state's education system has come under scrutiny, with DeSantis pointing out the high number of foreign workers being brought in to fill positions that could be filled by American graduates. At a press conference in Tampa, DeSantis argued that it's unacceptable for universities to import foreign workers instead of hiring qualified Americans.

Key Takeaways:

  • Governor Ron DeSantis has directed the Florida Board of Governors to end the practice of hiring foreign workers on H-1B visas in the state's colleges and universities.
  • As of June 30, 2022, there were over 7,200 H1-B visa holders sponsored by more than 1,900 Florida employers, with 78 employers and 677 beneficiaries in the education sphere.
  • The University of Florida had the most H1-B beneficiaries at 156, followed by the University of Miami with 90, and the University of South Florida with 72.
  • DeSantis pointed out that the move is intended to prevent H-1B abuse in Florida institutions and vowed to address the issue of universities importing foreign workers instead of hiring Americans.
  • The Governor emphasized that Florida leads the nation in higher education and that thousands of highly qualified Americans graduate from its colleges and universities every year, arguing that there is no excuse for importing foreign workers to fill job openings.

Statistics:

  • Over 7,200 H1-B visa holders were sponsored by more than 1,900 Florida employers as of June 30, 2022.
  • 78 employers and 677 beneficiaries in the education sphere were found to be H1-B visa holders.
  • The University of Florida had 156 H1-B beneficiaries, the University of Miami had 90, and the University of South Florida had 72.

Sources:

  • "Florida Governor Ron DeSantis: No H-1B Visa Workers for Florida Colleges and Universities" by Rebeccah L. Adams, Florida Phoenix, October 3, 2022.
  • "Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, H-1B Visa Statistics", no date provided.